ACERO Act
Sponsored By: Representative Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]
Passed House
Summary
Would advance and coordinate aerial wildfire response using NASA-developed tools and technologies. NASA would carry out research and development under the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations project to improve aircraft technology, airspace management, real-time data sharing, and interoperable situational awareness for wildfire response.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NASA research to improve wildfire air response
If enacted, NASA would run the ACERO research project to improve aerial wildfire response. It would test better aircraft tools and airspace rules to manage and deconflict planes and drones. It would build a shared, real-time data system for fire crews. It would set a multi-agency plan for how Federal, State, and local teams work together. NASA would work with other agencies, regional groups, companies, and universities, and consult others to avoid duplicate work.
Limits on foreign-made drones for NASA wildfire work
NASA would not be allowed to buy drones for ACERO work if they are made or assembled by a covered foreign entity. NASA could approve a waiver case by case only when it is in the national interest and needed solely to improve wildfire response. NASA would have to notify the House Science and Senate Commerce committees within 30 days after approving a waiver. The bill would also define key terms used in these rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]
CA • R
Cosponsors
McClellan
VA • D
Sponsored 1/14/2025
Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
CA • D
Sponsored 1/21/2025
Obernolte
CA • R
Sponsored 1/21/2025
Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]
VA • D
Sponsored 6/25/2025
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
CA • D
Sponsored 7/22/2025
Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]
CA • D
Sponsored 10/6/2025
Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
CO • D
Sponsored 1/9/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov